‘All about Soul” the one time hit single from Billy Joel came to mind on driving the all new Kia Soul,
its funky new urban crossover vehicle that will appeal to the young and the young-at-heart.
“In ways the innovative new Soul defies categorisation and encourages customers to build an emotional bond with the Kia brand,” explained Kia Motors Ireland MD James Brooks, at the Irish media launch held in Cong last month.
“We envisage a variety of customers who will consider Soul for both rational and emotional reasons. Nissan Qashqai customers will see it as a very practical and bold alternative in terms of both price and styling whilst younger super-mini customers previously drawn to models such as Mini or Fiat 500 will find the Soul to be a more exciting and expressive reflection of their personalities,” he continued.
Shaped like nothing you have seen before Kia Soul is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, a high roofline and an unusually long wheelbase. Soul will offer cavernous passenger space that matches or even outperforms many vehicles with much larger exterior dimensions. Luggage capacity is also generous – 222 litres with the rear seats upright with additional storage space in the moulded tray below the hinged luggage bay floor.
The Soul is well equipped in terms of comfort, safety and performance. Six airbags, ESP and ABS are standard. From launch Kia Ireland is offering just one power plant the economical (CO2 137g/km) but powerful 1.6 CRDi (128PS). And what a pleasant driving experience it brings. Even the tight, twisty and bumpy roads around Connemara could not knock this midi-MPV cum SUV out of kilter.
Kia Ireland is initially offering three trim variants for Soul – LX €19995), EX (€21,295) and GSe (€22,395). Additional peace of mind comes from a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty.
Equipment highlights as follows;
SOUL 1.6 DIESEL LX €19,995
• 16” Alloy
• ABS & ESP
• AUX, USB & iPod compatibility
• Air conditioning
• Central locking
• 6 airbag system
SOUL 1.6 DIESEL EX €21,295
• 18” alloys
• Sunroof
• High gloss front & rear bumpers/ mirrors
• Rear spoiler
• Electric folding mirrors
SOUL 1.6 DIESEL GSE €22,395
• 18” alloys
• Reversing sensors
• Reversing camera
• ECM interior mirror
• Speaker mood lamp